As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his upcoming visit to the Maldives, expectations are high that the trip will solidify India-Maldives relations and advance regional security cooperation. Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia, a former head of the Maldives division at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, emphasised the importance of the Maldives showing strong support for India, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and on the global fight against terrorism.
Bhatia highlighted that despite a period of strained ties under Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who led an ‘India Out’ campaign during his 2023 election and initially turned towards China and Turkey, the fundamental bond between India and the Maldives has remained strong. Bhatia noted that the Maldivian public and various political parties continue to hold significant goodwill towards India, a sentiment that has pressured Muizzu to recalibrate his foreign policy.
Evolving Dynamics of India-Maldives Relations
Muizzu, who initially focused on strengthening ties with China and Turkey, signed 20 agreements with these countries shortly after his election, diverging from the traditional practice of Maldivian leaders making their first official visit to India. However, core factors like geographic proximity, historical ties, and shared interests have driven the relationship back on track, demonstrated by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives in August and President Muizzu’s productive visit to India in October.
Ambassador Bhatia noted that Prime Minister Modi being the guest of honour for the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations underlines the importance of this relationship. Beyond ceremonial aspects, Modi’s visit is expected to include discussions with Maldivian political leaders, the business community, intellectuals, and the diaspora, with potential new agreements being signed to enhance bilateral cooperation and coordination on regional and global issues.
India’s Continued Support and Strategic Role
Defence cooperation remains a key aspect of India-Maldives relations, with India consistently supporting Maldivian police, security forces, and the navy over the years. Bhatia emphasised that India has repeatedly extended support to the Maldives during crises, including providing assistance during the tsunami, addressing water shortages, and managing security threats.
The ambassador stressed that despite the geopolitical competition from China in the Indian Ocean region, India remains one of the Maldives’ most important strategic partners. India’s assistance to Sri Lanka and the Maldives in the form of financial aid and development initiatives further underscores its commitment to regional stability and prosperity. Bhatia concluded that India’s generosity towards the Maldives will continue, with new initiatives likely to emerge as the two nations deepen their partnership through Prime Minister Modi’s visit.
